[152.05] Development and Testing of a New SRT Receiver

D. Vats (The University of Texas at Austin), A. Rogers (MIT Haystack Observatory)

The receiver for the Small Radio Telescope (SRT) has been
upgraded to a new, digital receiver in order to perform
interferometry experiments that are intended for use in the
undergraduate classroom. The receiver was tested in a single
antenna mode: the 21-cm line of hydrogen and the emission
from the OH molecule have been observed. As part of an NSF
funded REU program, initial connected element, cross
correlation interferometry tests were done using a short
baseline of about 50 feet to observe the Sun. During a
period of high solar activity in July ‘04, the baseline was
increased to about 200 feet. The observed correlation values
were modeled. The deviation of the model from the measured
correlation values were attributed to the effects of
receiver noise, limb brightening and sunspots. Future plans
for the SRT interferometer and its use in undergraduate
education will also be presented.